If you are a car lover like us at Prestige Soft Tops, chances are it is important to you to keep your soft top clean and looking at its best. Luckily, we know a thing or two about convertible maintenance and can share with you some tips and tricks on how to wash your soft tops.

Can water damage your soft top?

The answer is yes – In some cases holding a high-pressure water sprayer too close to a soft top, new or old, will damage the fibres and leave unsightly visible patterns that can’t be removed.

Under normal conditions though, your soft top should be waterproof if installed correctly. During rain, water will drain off the canvas in a manner like an umbrella. The vinyl-coated fabric material used for the soft top is durable and will resist rainfall and water for years. The inside of your vehicle will be protected unless there are holes, leaks, or tares. Water is most likely to leak from the rubber seals between the top and windows, rather than the canvas itself. If you notice consistent leakage into your vehicle, keep an eye on the rubber seals as they may need replacement.

If water continues to be an issue, then there may be a problem with the installation of the convertible top on the vehicle. For any questions or convertible top replacements, feel free to get in contact with a member of our team for a consultation.

How can I protect my soft top?

To keep your soft top in the best condition possible, avoid leaving it exposed to harsh elements for prolonged periods of time. Extensive sun exposure can cause damage over time. If possible, keep the vehicle under a carport or garage if you want to ensure a long lifespan. Whilst soft tops are waterproof, a garage can also protect from falling branches, animal droppings and hail.

Use a soft top brush when washing the car to dislodge the dirt particles from the fabric fibres. This process should be sufficient for cleaning most of the time. However, we do recommend using a dedicated soft top cleaner once a month for a ‘deep clean’ if you want to make sure your top is always looking brand new. Do not use solvent-based (alcohol, vinegar, bleach) or household cleaners on soft tops. The chemical compounds within these products can cause damage to the sealant on your soft top. Erosion of the sealant over time can lead to a shorter lifespan and lasting damage.

Deep Cleans

Prestige Soft Tops has partnered with Bowden’s Own for a range of tested, high-quality soft top care products. We recommend using these for your monthly ‘deep clean’ of the vehicle roof.

Begin by giving the roof a thorough hose down. As mentioned earlier, never use a high-pressure cleaner at close range, a wide fan from 50cm is as close as a pressure washer should get.

Apply Sublime Clean over the wet roof, spray generously to let the cleaner soak into the fibres and dislodge grim. Use a gentle soft top brush to scrub the fabric, in a horizontal linear motion. It’s important not to use a circular motion, or be too aggressive, as this can cause damage to the roof fibres. After scrubbing, rinse off the foamy sublime and clean with the hose again. Don’t let the sublime clean dry into the fabric. This can be avoided by applying and scrubbing in small sections. Use a detailing brush to apply and scrub the edges of the roof for a more thorough clean.

Use a soft microfibre towel and lie it down on the fabric’s surface. Pat the towel gently to help it absorb moisture from the material. Then, flip the towel and place it in the next section and repeat. After this process is completed across the whole roof, leave the vehicle to dry completely for a couple of hours, and use a lint roller to remove any leftover fibres from the towel on the roof. 

Fabric Protection:

Factory new soft tops come with a protective sealant integrated into the fabric to protect the roof from the elements. However, this sealant will degrade over time and use. To keep your roof in the best condition, reapplying the protective sealant will be required.  A deep clean is essential before applying for any fabric protection.

Can my convertible go through a car wash?

This depends on the model of the convertible. For more information, look at the website or manual of the specific car model, or feel free to give us a call and we might be able to provide some clarity. While many soft-top convertibles ‘can’ or ‘are safe’ to go through an automatic car wash, it might not be recommended to maintain the quality of the fabric over time. We recommend using approved soft top cleaning products for your vehicle, and handwashing, following the steps above. If you do use an automatic car wash, make sure your roof is up!

Do you have a soft top that requires maintenance? Check out our range of high-quality cleaning and maintenance products available online. Visit our FAQ or get in contact for any specific questions or enquiries.

If you would like to enquire about one of our products or require assistance, please do not hesitate to email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au or fill out our online contact form so one of our team members can get back to you asap.

For many car fanatics, a drive in an open top car can be something religious. Being exposed to the outdoor wind, speed and sound elements of a convertible with an open soft top adds a whole new level of enjoyment to any drive. While convertibles with soft tops look great aesthetically, if not looked after correctly, the smiles from a luxurious drive can quickly turn into a frown. Outdoor elements and cleaning products you choose can make life rough for your top. Our experts at Prestige Soft Tops have put together a list of five things that pose particular dangers to most soft tops. 

Sunshine

Most soft tops materials are treated with protective products that can help prevent damage from exposure to outdoor elements such as sun rays. However, sealants can only do so much. Long term exposure from parking your car outside all day can result in UV rays damaging your soft convertible top. These destructive rays can eat away at your protective layer and slowly find their way into your soft top itself. Eventually, this causes colour fading and cracks on your convertible soft top. While there is no way to completely avoid the effects of sunlight, keeping your top protected by regularly applying a sealant and parking under the shade can help prolong your soft top’s life.

Branches

Since you need to protect your soft convertible top from the dangers of the sun, you might think parking your vehicle under a tree to keep it cool is a good idea. Doing this would, unfortunately, pose significant damage risks from low-hanging or falling branches. Branches of all shapes and sizes that have sharp edges and points can scratch, puncture and tear your soft top. While it is not possible to avoid driving or parking under every tree you see, making sure you park under a well-maintained and properly trimmed tree can reduce the risks of top damage.

Road Debris

Road debris includes grime, oil and rocks usually flung onto your soft top by surrounding vehicles driving past at high speeds. Purchasing a high-quality soft top that can handle rocks bouncing off its surface can help minimize damages such as cuts and punctures to your soft top. As for dirt, oil and grime, your best line of defence is to maintain and seal your top regularly. On top of reflecting UV rays, good sealants should prevent dirt from sticking to your soft top. Dust and dirt that settles on your soft top can weave into the fabric and begin to act like sandpaper, slowly deteriorating your soft top over time. Having to remove oils and grime off your soft top often also results in excessive washing which can weaken your soft top even if you use the best washing products. Think of it like brushing your teeth, while toothpaste contains all the necessary components to strengthen your teeth, excessive brushing would eventually break down your enamel and cause more harm than good.

Using the wrong cleaning products

The best way to keep your soft top looking like new is to keep it clean and protected. Keeping your top clean is easy and does not require much effort. In most situations, a simple rub with a soft brush will suffice. Once a month, washing your soft top with an approved cleaner will help. A common mistake with new soft top owners is using the wrong cleaning products. Solvent-based (alcohol, vinegar, bleach) or household cleaning products should be avoided at all costs when it comes to cleaning your soft top. The chemical components in these products can erode your protective sealant and deteriorate your soft top. Consulting soft top professionals or the manufacturer of your soft top for cleaning and care instructions can help ensure you’re using the right products for your car. 

Weather 

Unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your soft convertible top. As soft tops are typically made of vinyl or cloth, rain and humidity can settle into the pores of these materials just as dirt does. With sufficient moisture, your soft top will become a breeding ground for mould or mildew and you can expect the need to replace your soft top if the situation is not controlled.  It is vital to always protect your soft top from moisture and inclement weather per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Premium Australian Soft Top Replacements and Care Products

Prestige Soft Tops is home to an expansive range of superior-quality replacement soft tops and soft top care products. If your soft top has been damaged and you’re in need of a new soft top or you’re looking for the right care products and tips to maintain your current soft top, then our national network of professional installers and soft top experts can assist and ensure all your soft top needs are addressed regardless of where you are in Australia. 

Get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au and one of our team members will get back to you asap.